Quantrell Colbert/FOX
The aging competition will get a new twist: kid dancers.
Fox has finally committed to another season of So You Think You Can Dance, though it's adding a new spin on the aging reality show.
So You Think You Can Dance: The Next Generation will feature a contestant set made-up entirely of young kids, 8- to 13-year-olds to be exact. They'll be paired with all-stars from the series' decade-long run.
“Through the Dizzy Feet Foundation, I’ve had the great privilege of working with incredible young talent who will eventually shape the future of dance in this country,” said co-creator, EP and judge Nigel Lythgoe. “By evolving the So You Think You Can Dance format this season, we can showcase the very best junior dancers out there and open up the world of dance to a whole new generation.”
Little else seems to be changing for So You Think You Can Dance. Host Cat Deeley will be returning, as will judges Lythgoe, Paula Abdul and Jason Derulo.
“We are so happy to bring back the award-winning So You Think You Can Dance for a 13th season this summer with a brand-new format,” said Fox Broadcasting Company entertainment president David Madden. “The series has captivated its loyal fan base for over a decade, inspiring young dancers across the country and transforming the face of dance in every medium — and we’re so excited to feature a young and talented new group of performers on the series.”
The network took its time renewing the series. Fox normally commits to a new season of So You Think You Can Dance well in advance of its annual summer run, but recent years have seen ratings slide. The latest cycle averaged just 1.4 rating among adults 18-49 and 4.5 million viewers. And that's when seven days' worth of DVR are factored in.
But So You Think You Can Dance continues to have cred with the TV Academy. It's regularly nominated for multiple Emmys and has won 14 to date, faring especially well in the choreography races. And, in regards to the format change, Fox has seen ratings success in recalibrating reality around younger contestants. Spinoff MasterChef Jr. has been a boon to Friday nights.
The new season begins Monday, May 30, with U.S. auditions kicking off at the end of February.
